U.S. officials tell FNC Gen. Allen/Jill Kelley emails were the “equivalent of phone sex over email”

See report below from FNC’s Justin Fishel…

Some are getting the impression that Gen. Allen’s emails to Kelley were innocuous based on guidance earlier today from a senior defense official that the emails were “flirtatious” in nature.

Two US officials tell Fox that it was more than just general flirting. One official described some of the emails as sexually explicit and the “equivalent of phone sex over email.”

Another official said Secretary Panetta would not have referred this matter to the DoD IG without knowing the devastating impact this would have on the war efforts and on Gen. Allen and his family.

“This was a serious enough matter that those who examined the emails thought it should be referred to the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary made the decision to turn it over to the Inspector General.”

“He would not have thrust this into the limelight without good cause.”